Rajamanohar’s Aquaconnect, the only Indian startup in Indonesia that won the 2019 innovator award and is now prepared to sail to the Indonesian market. Aquaconnect is all set to grow globally after assisting more than 3000 farmers in India and will run pilots in Acehand Sulawesi between 2000 farms by the end of 2020.
Rajamanohar, also known as the Aquaman as his “Aquaconnect” initiative, promotes sustainable fish and shrimp farming (seafood) and seeks to help farmers boost their productivity and rural jobs through artificial intelligence (the FarmMOJO app).
Aquaconnect joined the Indonesian seafood innovation project to further support and add to the global sustainable seafood innovation ecosystem. At the end of 2018, SIP placed a global call for innovations with the potential to improve the seafood sector in Indonesia in three areas of challenge: innovative financing, new technologies, and the creation of market demand.
There were 80 startups applied for the prestigious honor. Six innovators were selected for the program after a rigorous selection process, informed and endorsed by experts in the seafood sector, sustainability specialists and business professionals.
Aquaconnect is the only Indian startup to be honored.
In April 2019, Rajamanohar was invited to take part in the kickoff event in Bali, Indonesia. Among the SIP meeting, Aquaconnect presented its’ AI powered FarmMOJO ‘ app. Eight-month accelerator program, office space, access to local and global mentors, pro bono legal advice, marketing support, and access to small grants shall be given to them. Companies will be deeply integrated in a global sustainable development ecosystem for seafood at the end of the program.
India’s present market potential is around half a billion. Expansion to South East Asia will provide 6X possibilities for Aquaconnect such as India. By the end of next year.
Profile
Rajamanohar Somasundaram, an IIT Alumnus, is a serial technology entrepreneur with comprehensive experience in Internet building and businesses driven by mobile technology. The World Economic Forum’s “Young Global Leader in 2012” recognizes leadership and input in technology innovation.
Innovator Award
The Seafood Innovation Project is building a entrepreneurial ecosystem for Indonesia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. The Seafood Innovation Project will speed up innovative approaches to attain a sustainable economy and create resilient communities involved in the Indonesian fisheries sector through collaboration with a range of stakeholders.
Supported by:
The Government of Indonesia, Seafood Sector, Australian Government (Department of Foreign affairs and Trade).
